Grand Ayatollah Saanei, senior religious figure and critic of the government, in a meeting with a group of students of Tehran University said: “Criticizing oppression and oppressors is not considered as gossip and is not a sin.”

In another part of his remarks Grand Ayatollah Saanei stated: “Today one of the problems with oppressive governments is that they prevent individual free speech and this builds up problems within individuals. The concern is when these issues build up so much that they explode and then nothing can stop them.”

Grand Ayatollah Saanei added: “In addition to all these, in an Islamic state everything should be based on honesty and truth, but unfortunately today lying has become such a norm that we should find out who is telling the truth and who is giving honest promises.”

He continued: “Today, some instead of solving economic problems for the everyday lives of the people as well as political problems, social misbehaviors, poverty and drug addiction, are everyday looking for a topic and excuse to divert public mind from main and fundamental problems of the society.”

Grand Ayatollah Saanei addressed to the students said: “Those who attack universities are against science and knowledge. Today the most knowledge is among scholars and therefore some who are vain attack students and universities.”

Brave Women Of Iran

A special note we would like to share with the brave and beautiful women of Iran; You have shown extraordinary courage, passion, pride, humility and humanity in the face of great injustice. The world has taken notice and we are all humbled by your strength and determination. If you are the future, then we all are comforted by how bright it will shine.